Lakey Pipe Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks.

We’re focusing on Lakey Pipe (West Sumbawa), a reef setup that’s consistent and exposed to the swell. The water’s sitting at 82°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The pattern starts off with a bit of a mixed bag. Monday 6th July is looking a bit frustrating – clean lines but the tide or something is messing with the quality, and the swell is a modest 5 ft from the SSW, with a long 14-second period. The energy is moderate (1291). The wind is cross-off, so not ideal, but it’s not horrible. Skip the morning, maybe catch a later session if you’re desperate.

Tuesday 7th July picks up a little. The afternoon sees the swell holding at 5 ft from the SW, period stretching to 16 seconds, and the wind easing to a gentle cross-off. The energy is still moderate (1012), but the wave comment says “excellent for experienced surfers.” That’s a good sign for the more dialled-in crew.

The real standout window starts Wednesday 8th July. The morning swell jumps to 6 ft, SW, 15-second period, with moderate energy (1611). By the afternoon, it’s 7 ft from the SW, same period, energy jumping to 1910. That’s some solid, punchy groundswell. The wind stays gentle cross-off. This is prime for intermediate to expert surfers. It’s a little too big for beginners, but for the rest of us, it’s going to be cooking. Crowds are likely at Lakey Pipe, so get out early.

Thursday 9th July keeps the goods rolling – 6 ft to 7 ft, SW/SSW, 15-second period, and the energy is still strong (1671 to 1890). The afternoon sees a light cross-off breeze, which is as good as it gets for clean conditions. Another day to circle.

Friday 10th July is a bit of a step down in the morning (5 ft, marginal), but the afternoon rallies back to 7 ft from the SW, 16-second period, and energy of 2042. That’s the strongest energy of the whole run. The wind is gentle cross-off. This is a standout session.

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th see a slow drop-off. The swell backs down to 3 ft to 5 ft, and the energy halves. Sunday morning has a brief moment of offshore wind (ESE, 12 mph) with a 4 ft SW swell, but it’s short-lived. The surf gets small and a bit gutless.

There’s a lull early the next week – Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th start to rebuild. Tuesday 14th afternoon sees the swell kick back up to 6 ft from the SSW, 17-second period, with energy of 2176. That’s a very long period groundswell, which will make the reef at Lakey Pipe really stand up and offer some proper walls. The wind is gentle cross-off. This is a solid second-week highlight.

The rest of the second week keeps a rhythm of 4 ft to 6 ft, mostly SW and SSW, with periods between 14 and 17 seconds. The energy stays moderate to strong (725 to 1932). The wind is almost always cross-off, with a few light breezes in the afternoons. Saturday 18th July afternoon has energy of 1035 and a 4 ft SW swell, described as “excellent for experienced surfers.” Sunday 19th July afternoon has a 5 ft SW swell, 16-second period, and a light breeze – another clean, punchy session.

Overall, the best on offer is without a doubt Wednesday 8th July through Friday 10th July, with Thursday 10th afternoon being the absolute peak for energy. In the second week, keep an eye on Tuesday 14th July afternoon for that long-period groundswell. It’s not a two-week block of perfection, but there are some really good days in there.

Rusty.

Read more